Drive past my house in the fall and you'll usually see a Cougar flag flying proudly from the front porch. On every "Cougar Football Saturday" it's there without fail. At the end of the season, I fold it up and put it somewhere safe until next September. Needless to say, it felt a little weird tonight as I walked out on the porch - a full six months earlier than usual - to fly the crimson and gray. Call it "Cougar Hoops Thursday."

As I said in my first post, I'm not the world's foremost expert on basketball. Heck, I may not even be the foremost expert in my own home. I'd probably give that title to my 6-year-old, Pete. The minute he and I arrived in a wintery Pullman for the January 6th game vs Arizona he predicted a certain Cougar victory. When I asked him why he was so confident, he gave me a simple 3-word reply: "Magic Pullman snow." I laughed and told him I thought that only worked during football season. As we walked out of Beasley after the Cougs' thrilling overtime victory, he popped off with another 3-word comment: "I told you!" I love that kid.

So after consulting with the foremost basketball expert in my home, I am fully prepared to give you my keys to victory over Oral Roberts:

#1 - Robbie Cowgill's 'D' on Caleb Green. I imagine it will be the quicker Cowgill who gets the job of guarding Green, though Baynes could be called upon as well. Cowgill has the ability to frustrate the MCC Player of the Year into making bad decisions.
#2 - Guard the perimeter. Defense is the reason the Cougs are where they are, so it shouldn't be a surprise that the top two priorities are shutting down ORU's scorers. The loss to USC in the Pac-10 tournament was due in large part to our inability to get a hand in the face of their perimeter shooters. Beware of Ken Tutt and Moses Ehambe who can shoot the lights out.
#3 - Create shots for Taylor Rochestie. Probably the most clutch performer for the Cougs in the latter part of the season, Rochestie could shine if all of the Golden Eagles' attention on 'D' is paid to Low and Weaver.
#4 - Rebound. Here's an idea for a new drinking game in Pullman: Take a drink every time Aron Baynes goes up for a ball with one hand. You'll probably still be OK to drive home but it happens often enough to drive you mad. Watch replays of the last Husky game and you'll see what I mean.
#5 (From Pete) - Snow. 'nuff said.

So there you have it. Sure-fire keys to victory with a little help from a 6-year old. Shoot me an e-mail if you need help filling out your bracket. We have the Cougs over UCLA in the final, 62-57. Call me crazy if you want to - just don't call me at 11:40 on Thursday - I have a meeting.

Go Cougs!